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 African-American band at Emancipation Day celebration, June 19, 1900, held in "East Woods" on East 24th Street in Austin via The Portal to Texas History
On June 19, 1865, Union troops in Texas, based out of Galveston, began to enforce the end of slavery following the Civil War. Approximately 250,000 enslaved Black Texans had new legal status, which was further codified when the 13th Amendment was ratified later in the year.
Several state historic sites will host Juneteenth celebrations to commemorate the historic announcement of emancipation and the end of slavery in Texas:
Caddo Mounds State Historic Site has officially reopened after being devastated by a tornado in 2019. The reopening celebration on May 18 featured outdoor activities, Caddo singing and dancing performances, and speeches honoring the site's significance. The restoration includes a new $2.5 million visitor center and reconstructed grass house, reflecting the resiliency of the Caddo Nation. This milestone was made possible through efforts from the Friends of Caddo Mounds, Friends of the Texas Historical Commission, Caddo citizens, site staff, state officials, and donors.
The Texas Historical Commission is excited to announce Joseph Bell's promotion to executive director of the agency and its 350 employees. Bell has been the deputy executive director of historic sites since 2015, providing guidance and oversight to the agency's 39 state historic sites.
During Bell’s tenure, the THC has grown the network of state historic sites under the agency’s stewardship and vastly expanded interpretation, programming, and visitor amenities.
Read more about some key initiatives under Bell’s leadership, including restoration and renovation projects and the addition of state historic sites in 2023.
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Embark on a historic journey through time with the Texas Historical Commission's Youth Summer Camps at our state historic sites! Immerse your young historians in a unique blend of education and adventure where the past comes to life. Let them become president for the day at the Bush Family Home or get hands-on experience cooking, exploring the cultural importance of food at Levi Jordan Plantation, and much more!
Across Texas, each historic site becomes an interactive classroom, fostering a deep appreciation for our state's unique history through hands-on activities, crafts, and demonstrations. Register your kids for a camp near you by clicking the link below:
Preserving history and heritage takes effort. Recognize someone in your community for their hard work!
The Texas Historical Commission offers annual awards to recognize worthy accomplishments and exemplary leadership in preserving Texas’ heritage. These awards cover achievements in the fields of archeology, historic architecture, museums, community heritage development, and more. Nominations are open through August 15:
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Upcoming Events
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June 7: Chinese Labor on the Houston Texas Central Railway Marker Dedication, Kosse
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June 8: Historic Photo Identification Workshop, Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
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June 13: George H.W. Bush 100th Birthday Celebration, Bush Family Home, Midland
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June 14-15: Hands on History Summer Camp, Starr Family Home, Marshall
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June 15: Donuts with Dad, Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
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June 15: Emmanuel Stance: A Fort McKavett Hero, Fort McKavettState Historic Site, Fort McKavett
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June 15: Cooking in the Quarter, Barrington Plantation, Washington
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June 15: Summer Camp Series—Knitting, French Legation, Austin
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June 15: Roots of Refreshment Series: Switchel, Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
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June 15: On the Plantation Porch, Varner-Hogg Plantation, West Colombia
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June 15: Gender and the Runaway Scrape with Linda English, San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
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June 16: Cooking in the Kitchen, Barrington Plantation, Washington
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June 18-21: Road to Revolution Summer Camp, San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
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June 20: Sam’s Summer STEAM Series: Optical Illusion Toys, Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
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June 22: Make Pinch Pots, French Legation, Austin
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June 22: Campaign Briefing: The Marianas, National Museum of the Pacific War, Fredericksburg
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June 24-26: Experience San Jacinto Summer Camp, San Jacinto Battleground, La Porte
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June 27: St. Louis Cemetery Marker Dedication, Iola
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June 27: Sam’s Summer STEAM Series: Fingerprints, Sam Bell Maxey House, Paris
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June 27: Eleven Days on the Colorado—The Pivotal Battle Unfought with author James E. Brasher, San Felipe de Austin, San Felipe
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June 27-29: Spatulas and Storytelling Summer Camp, Levi Jordan Plantation, Brazoria
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June 29: Bison Bingo in June, Goodnight Ranch, Goodnight
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State historical markers can be found in all 254 Texas counties. Find the one closest to you in our Texas Historic Sites Atlas.
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Nearly 90 cities are part of the Texas Main Street program. This powerful tool revives local economies and brings communities together.
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The Friends partners with the THC to preserve and protect the cultural heritage of Texas through private philanthropic resources.
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